Nicola.
Trust me, I am an Engineer
Engineer with experience in applied research, and product development. Leveraging analytical skills to drive innovation in complex material systems.
Hi, my name is
About Me
I am an experienced technical project manager who started my career as a materials scientist. I have led cross-functional projects in microfluidics, smart textiles, and the development of high-tech products.
I enjoy working with people, breaking down technical challenges into clear, achievable steps, and connecting science with practical applications. I am motivated by contributing to impactful projects and collaborating with purpose-driven teams.
Having recently relocated to Vienna, I am now seeking a new role in which I can utilise my technical expertise and project management skills.
Experience
Sep 2023 - May 2025
A joint venture between Osmotex AG and Myant, focused on integrating electrochemical moisture and liquid management technology into Myant’s portfolio of textile computing, which has received over $100 million in investment.
- I coordinated the technical development of electroosmotic and microfluidic systems, from concept to prototype.
- Planned and monitored project progress, aligning engineering deliverables with technical and regulatory requirements within Innosuisse-funded innovation frameworks.
- Managed feasibility studies, supplier qualification, and component testing, ensuring alignment between mechanical, electronic, and process interfaces.
- Applied Six Sigma principles and structured problem-solving to improve process reproducibility and product reliability.
Sep 2020 - Dec 2021
Founded in 2008, Osmotex is a research and development company dedicated to electroosmotic vapour and fluid transport.
- I led cross-functional engineering projects integrating fluid management technologies into textile-based systems (embedded components).
- Defined and managed technical requirements, acceptance criteria and validation protocols for technology readiness level transitions.
- Coordinated international suppliers and R&D partners to ensure compliance with performance and quality standards and achieve delivery milestones on schedule.
- Implemented risk analysis and change control processes to enhance the reliability and scalability of the product line.
- Supported budget control, KPI tracking, and process documentation for manufacturing transfer.
Development Engineer
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KOMP-ACT
Nov 2019 – Dec 2019
KOMP-ACT designs compact and high-performing actuators for the manufacturing industry.
- Designed a long-term autonomous monitoring system for product reliability.
- Automated data acquisition reducing the need for manual intervention.
- Prevented positioning errors in the microcontroller to enhance measurement precision.
Research Associate
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Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
Apr 2019 – Sep 2019
The Sutterfella Lab is located at the former Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis.
- I conducted studies on the accelerated degradation of perovskite solar cells.
- Implemented automation using LabVIEW, improving experimental throughput by 700%.
- Streamlined multimodal research data for Cyclotron research project on perovskite formation, involving x-ray imaging, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and thermal imaging.
Intern
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ARI Davos
Sep 2015 – Dec 2015
At the AO Research Institute Davos (ARI) I worked in the imaging team. I Validated mechanical implant stress simulations through CT scanning and mechanical testing, comparing computed and experimental stiffness.
Laboratory Teacher
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EPFL
Feb 2018 – Jun 2018
I guided students through hands-on metal quenching experiments and taught them how to produce scientific reports and analyse the effects of heat treatment on phase formation and hardness.
Teaching Assistant
Sep 2014 – Jun 2018
Supported students in problem-solving and deepening their understanding of materials science through guided exercises and explanations.
Education
2016 - 2019
MSc in Materials Science and Engineering
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- Computational Science Minor (30 ETCS)
- Master thesis in Perovskite Solar Cells at Berkeley National Lab, CA, USA (Sep 2018 – Mar 2019)
2012 - 2015
BSc in Materials Science and Engineering
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Bachelor thesis on GaAs nanowire forests optical properties for solar cells in LSMC Lab.